Roda’s late goal deny Rivers Utd

CD Roda’s late goal deep into second half added time rescued the
Spanish club as they played 3-3 against Nigeria Professional Football League
(NPFL) club, Rivers United in a pre-season friendly match on Monday night.

The rip-roaring contest which finished 3-3 at Estadio Ciudad
Deportivo Pamesa was United’s second in their fifth and final phase of
pre-season in Spain.

Emeka Ogbugh had given United a deserved lead inside the opening
10 minutes but the hosts battled back and equalized moments later after Festus
Austine, under pressure, bundled the ball past Abiodun Akande in goal for
United.

The Spaniards began the second half on the front foot and got due
reward when Charly Garcia smashed home to put them 2-1 up, six minutes after
the break.

Stung into action, the Pride of Rivers reacted gamely and turned
the game on its head following excellent goals from Godbless Asamoah and Nzebe
Anaezemba.

With United seemingly cruising to a second successive win in
Spain, Richi popped up late to plunder a barely-deserved equalizer for the home
side.

Scorer of United’s second goal, Asamoah spoke about his
goal-scoring contribution which temporarily pegged the scores at 2-2.

“We started well by getting an early goal which set the tone for
our third goal.

“I was happy to score because as a striker, I always want to score
as it helps with confidence.

“For me and the team, it was never about the result but about the
performance and the lessons to be learnt,” he said.

Similarly, another United striker, Elvis Wike however refused to
be crestfallen and outlined the positives of the game and the club’s tour to
Spain.

“The game against Villarreal was a lot slower in terms of the pace
and intensity as opposed to the game against CD Roda which was also very
physical.

“But we gave as good as we got and almost won in the end.

“We have learned a lot so far in Spain and we know the lessons
will serve us well in the coming days,” Wike explained.

United beat Villarreal B 1-0 in their first pre-season game in
Spain last week.